The National Statistics Month (NSM) was first observed in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on 20 September 1990, declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month. This year marks the 28^th NSM with the theme “FACTS AND FIGURES FOR THE FUTURE: Statistics for Evidence Based Decisions Towards Ambisyon Natin 2040”. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VII hosted the opening ceremony of the month-long celebration with a Unified Flag Raising Ceremony at EcoTech Center Pavilion, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City last October 2, 2017 and was participated by different agencies especially the members of the Regional Statistical Committee.

The flag raising activity was followed by medical/dental mission, blood typing, blood pressure measurement, medical consultation and free medicines, vitamins and vaccine courtesy of Department of Health, legal consultation, processing of applications for certificates of live birth, death, marriages and no marriage, and lastly Exhibit of Agency Statistics.

The main beneficiaries of the medical/dental mission were the 28 families residing at the back of the DOST building. Most of the government agencies also availed themselves of the services.